I wanted to kick off my Esthetician’s Day Off series with what has become my favorite mask of the Skin Script line. The Marble Berry Nourishing Mask. Wait a minute, you’ve never heard of the Marble Berry? Not to worry, you’re not alone! Before I discovered this Mask, I had never heard of the Marble Berry either. But I promise you, it is a very real fruit, and it is very unique.

The first of this summer’s seasonal specialty facials at Cara B. Design & Wellness is the Marble Berry Nourishing Facial. Obviously, from the title of the facial you can see that the Marble Berry Mask is the star of the show. However, this facial is customize-able (as they all are), by changing the enzyme used in the facial.

Close up of a single Marble Berry

The Marble Berry, scientifically known as pollia condensata, is a blue, iridescent berry that grows exclusively in Africa. The most magical aspect of this elusive fruit, is its color, which is the most intense color of any known biological substance. Yes, you read that correctly. This berry is quite unique. Possessing this intense color isn’t its only fascinating quality. While the Marble Berry is not edible, it does possess various health benefits for the skin. This fruit also contains polyphenol which provides antioxidant activity that is very effective at low use levels.

What’s interesting about the Marble Berry, is that its beautiful, intense color isn’t due to pigment, however it’s due to something called structural color. What is structural color? It its simplest terms, it is the production of color by microscopically structured surfaces fine enough to interfere with visible light, sometimes in combination with pigments.

This mask can be used on all skin types, including sensitive, rosacea, and pregnant women. While it can be used on all skin types, it does have the following benefits: anti-aging, softening, anti-inflammatory, improves barrier function, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The main ingredient in this mask is the Marble Berry, however, it has a few other very important and effective ingredients.

With this mask on, I look like Violet Beauregard from Willy Wonka! "You're turning Violet, Violet!"

1. Thiotaine®, made using Ergothioneine (L) which is a natural antioxidant and amino acid that can aid the skin’s natural ability to prevent damage caused by UV radiation. It does this partially by recycling vitamin C, and also ensures efficient energy production. Inhibits tyrosinase.

3. Cyanidin-3-Glucoside is a purified extract from the heart of Black Rice Bran. This particular extract is high in antioxidant content, and also acts similar to an anti-inflammatory, which helps to keep skin soothed and clear.

4. Phenyl t-Butylnitrone, a Spin Trap. It is a highly active oxygen and nitrogen complex. It is considered an “intelligent” antioxidant because instead of destroying free radicals, it traps them, transforms them into useful oxygen, and then transports them back into the respiratory cycle. This activity keeps the skin continually spinning the effects of aging away from your skin; helping to maintain hydration so that skin appears healthy, clear and more fortified.

During the Marble Berry Nourishing facial, skin is cleansed, exfoliated, treated, and toned. To close out the facial, the Marble Berry Mask is applied to the skin for about 10 minutes. This particular mask is tremendously nourishing and leaves skin feeling as soft as butter!Schedule your Marble Berry Nourishing facial today by emailing carabdrescherlmt@gmail.com or calling 215-601-0840.